Review #178: Winter Rayne- J.M. Zuniga

Summary: What happens when an ordinary life becomes an extraordinary one? Winter Rayne thought she lived a somewhat normal teenage life, except for the teasing due to her father's outbursts of rage. Then, one day, she discovers her entire life has been a sham and she's not sure who she can trust. To make matters worse, she finds out the truth of her origins and is tossed into a world where she must fight for her very existence.
Join the world of the Praestes and the Malfaisants and discover an entire world you may never have known existed. It will make you question if there is really a life beyond the one you already know.Title: Winter Rayne
Author: J.M. Zuniga
Pages: 305
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: Winter Rayne was this weeks Book of the Week; by one of my fave indie authors J.M. Zuniga, in a book club/ group I am in. This is not the first book that I have read by her and it definitely won't be the last. I loved the OBE's (out if body experiences) as the focal point for the storyline. I found it extremely original I have never read another book about them. I liked how the story dealt with both real and paranormal situations. I do wish we had learned more about the Praestes and Malficants. Also there were some Spanish words and phases that I had no idea what they said so I wish a glossary had been included.
I enjoyed Winter Rayne's character and I like how the author was able to make me connect with her and feel sorry for her at the same time. I feel like her upbringing was very rough, mostly due to her asshat father. Plus her mom made me mad because she let him treat her daughter like that. I found there to be a kind of love triangle happening and Rayne finally made a decision but I feel like it was the wrong one lol. Travis is a strange character for me because I kept getting this weird vibe from him and I'm not sure why. I am really hoping that in the next book we will get to meet Rayne's father, he plays such a huge role.
Winter Rayne is another amazing book that J.M. Zuniga has put out there and I'm really excited for the next instalment. Also I would love a book of the letters that Rayne's father sent her, I'm nosy and I want to know what they say. I would recommend this story and also J.M. Zuniga's other series to those looking for original reads.

About this author

Author: Under Ground (The Diamond Mini-Series, Book 1), The Core (The Diamond Mini-Series, Book 2),Ransom (The Diamond Mini-Series, Book 3) ,a series of short stories linked together. Each one starts where the other one left off.

I love to read and write. I am a mother of 3, ages: 19, 17, and 5.

I began writing my first full length YA Paranormal/Speculative Fiction novel 2 1/2 years ago. Winter Rayne is still a WIP.

I have an adult novel that is a WIP called Nerves of Steel You can find some of it here on GOODREADS.

Other places I can be found:
http://jmzunigabook.com
http://jmzunigabook.blogspot.com
http://jmzunigabook.wordpress.com
http://jmzunigabook.tumblr.com

https://www.facebook.com/J.M.ZunigaBo...
https://www.facebook.com/TheDiamondMi...
https://twitter.com/JMZunigaAuthor
http://pinterest.com/jmzunigabooks/
http://www.youtube.com/user/JMZunigaA...
http://jmzunigabookofficial.wix.com/j...

I graduated with a degree in Business Administration-International Business (emphasis: Latin America) at CSUDH.

My original major was architecture, but after graduating with an A.S. in Computer Aided Drafting and Design, I decided I would rather concentrate on opening a CADD business, thus the reason for my Bachelor's in Business.

At the same time I obtained my Associates in Science I also obtained an Associates in Arts for General Studies and Certificates in CADD, Engineering Drafting, and Architectural Drafting.

Review #177: Riley's Secret- Christina Smith

Summary: Megan Banks feels like an imposter in her own life; she doesn’t belong with her friends or with her parents, who ignore her. After a fire she’s indirectly involved with, she finds herself with two hundred hours of community service. It’s the charity she volunteers at that finally makes her feel like she belongs. These people, with whom she has nothing in common, mean more to her than her rich, selfish friends. 

But for some reason her supervisor, Nate Green, doesn’t want her there. He thinks she’s a self-centered rich girl who deserves to be in jail. After she’s threatened by the kids who started the fire, Nate and Megan form a strange friendship, built only for her protection. But the more she feels for him, the more he pushes her away.

As they become closer, Megan knows Nate is attracted to her as well, but she also believes that he is hiding something. But she could never guess what he really is. Before she realizes what is happening, she becomes involved in a world she didn't know existed.

In this strange new reality, can she finally find a place where she belongs?

Title: Riley's Secret

Author: Christina Smith

Pages:
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review:  I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was the Book of the Month in my goodreads group Reading For Fun. I just finished reading the prequel Riley's Curse and I loved it. I was excited to start this book because I was so drawn into the prequel. I also love the cover. I like do his story as well I was just missing the old world charm that the novella had. I did like that this book read fairly quickly and there was enough action and romance to keep me interested.
I still really enjoyed these characters and I'm glad that Nate finally told Megan the truth. Also I'm glad that Megan made new friends, unfortunately her parents are assholes and you can't pick your family. I really want to learn me about Joe and Lauren and most importantly Mona. I want her story. Is she who she says she is??
Overall this was a great start to the series and I'm very excited to read the rest of the books. I really enjoyed Christina Smith's writing and I will be checking out her other series as well. This is another book I would recommend to werewolf lovers.

About this author

I grew up in Kingston Ontario, Canada, and after getting married, moved to a small rural town in the country. I live here with my husband Brad, two kids Josh and Megan, and our dog Bailey. Even though our house is peaceful, surrounded by nature and the occasional deer, I'm still a city girl at heart. I miss civilization, and visits with my mother and two sisters.

My Young Adult Fantasy books include:

Fated Dreams # 1 in the Affinity series
Delusions # 2 in the Affinity series

Riley's Curse, A Moon's Glow, Prequel, Novella
Riley's Secret, A Moon's Glow Novel #1
Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2
Riley's Redemption, A Moon's Glow Novel #3

My adult contemporary Romance Books include:

Finding Abigai
l

Review #176: Riley's Curse- Christina Smith

Summary:  See how a life can change after just one bite.

Because of one fateful night, Nathaniel Riley loses his girl, his family, and life as he knows it. His world has been turned upside down. One day, a normal teen living in the 1890's, the next a mythical creature he didn't know existed. How can he live with himself with deadly urges he can't control?

He's a monster with a conscience who wants to make up for all the pain he's caused, but how can he do that when a fellow monster wants to take everything in his life away from him.

Nathaniel Riley has lived for a long time. Before he met Megan, he had a family, another girl he loved and a world in which he was happy. Find out how it all changed in just one moment.Title: Riley's Curse
Author: Christina Smith
Pages: 115
Rating:  5/5 Stars
Review:  I grabbed this novella awhile ago, number one because it was free and number two it is about werewolves. I hadn't had a chance to read it until my goodreads group Reading For Fun had feature Book one Riley's Secret as our book of the month for October. This gave me the perfect opportunity to delve into this short story and I'm glad I did. I found it to be a quick and easy read and I was hooked from the first sentence. I loved all the background that this book was made up of. If I had read the full length novel first this would have been all the info I would be craving. I also loved the historical setting and how the author was able to describe it.
I really enjoyed the characters. They all grew on me although some not for long. I don't like the bad guy because I feel like as far as we know the only reason he is out for blood is because he is an ass. He has no actual reason. I also enjoyed Nathaniel's parents. Mostly because how often do you see people's parents who know about them being a supernatural creature and who would also support them if they did find out.
All in all, this was a great prequel filled with actions and romance. It also has a great story line and gave us backstory on the characters. I will definitely be carrying on with this series. I would recommend this story to werewolf lovers.

About this author

I grew up in Kingston Ontario, Canada, and after getting married, moved to a small rural town in the country. I live here with my husband Brad, two kids Josh and Megan, and our dog Bailey. Even though our house is peaceful, surrounded by nature and the occasional deer, I'm still a city girl at heart. I miss civilization, and visits with my mother and two sisters.

My Young Adult Fantasy books include:

Fated Dreams # 1 in the Affinity series
Delusions # 2 in the Affinity series

Riley's Curse, A Moon's Glow, Prequel, Novella
Riley's Secret, A Moon's Glow Novel #1
Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2
Riley's Redemption, A Moon's Glow Novel #3

My adult contemporary Romance Books include:

Finding Abigai
l

Book Trailer Reveal: Few Are Angels- Inger Iversen

Title: Few Are Angels

Author: Inger Iverson​

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Synopsis:
After a fatal hit and run accident, Ella Monroe fears that she’s lost more than her beloved parents. Horrifying visions of a past life and a disturbing voice in her head have psychiatric professionals convinced that she’s lost her sanity as well. But when Kale--a dark and handsome stranger with a mysterious past--reveals the true meaning of her visions and the tremendous power she wields through them, Ella must come to terms with the devastating truths of her own past, while eluding an ancient Dark Prince who seeks to control not only her future, but all of mankind’s, by means of abilities that Ella is only beginning to understand.

Book Trailer:
Embed code:

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mciYezKcSg

Except:

I’d had a hell of a time convincing Jace that I needed to know the truth about myself and where I was going, but I was getting better at convincing people. If only it had worked with Kale. To me, two days was more than enough time to calm down, but Kale seemed to need more time. That was one thing I didn’t have. He wasn’t answering his phone,and he wasn’t at the mausoleum when Jace, Mia, and I went to check. He and I both avoided answering Mia’s questions with the promise of a full explanation once we returned to the house. I had started to get worried, but Jace explained that Kale was tying up loose ends because I would be leaving and he would have no reason to stay in the area.  I wasn’t sure what loose ends he had, but I hoped I would get a chance to say ‘until we meet again’ because I was never going to say goodbye to him. It was better that we split up until Laurent was taken care of.

I had another reason to go with Jace to the Council. I had a favor to ask. In return, I would stay with them until Laurent was killed. Alex’s flight would be in at midnight and then there was the thirty minute drive to the house, and I had a while to explain everything to Mia.  Jace and I had discussed a plan to get Alex’s cooperation with helping me disappear. I hated saying it like that, but that’s what it was. It was Alex’s job to make sure his family knew I was appreciative of all they’d done, but I needed to leave. On the way to Mia’s from the cemetery, Mia was surprisingly easy to talk to. Her only demand was to be there when Alex arrived. I had told her about Kale believing that the tattooed man was in some way related to the killer and since her parents weren’t home that she shouldn’t stay there. Jace and I took her home to gather some things.

“I can’t believe this, Ella. I mean, I just can’t,” Mia said for the hundredth time. “Why would someone want to kidnap you?” She spoke without a bit of sarcasm. She was truly confused.

“Mia, it’s a long story that I only want to have to tell once, so you can stay with me tonight. When Alex gets here, I will tell you both everything.”

“Fine, but who is this guy?” She pointed at Jace.

He smiled in the rearview mirror as we drove into Elmwood City and reintroduced himself. “I’m Jace Vesco.”

Mia giggled and commenced flirting. “Beautiful accent. Where are you from?”

That was a good question. In fact, any personal question was a good one because I had never asked him about anything other than the Council.

“I’m from Belarus, but I have lived in so many different places that I believe my accent has evolved,” Jace joked, and Mia giggled again.

I could see why she was attracted to Jace. With his blue eyes and shockingly white-blond hair, he was incredibly handsome. His features were exotic and strong, but he didn't hold an air of mystery like Kale. At least not to me.

“My family is part Italian,” Mia said.

I peeked in the rearview mirror, taking in Mia’s blonde hair and pale skin, and was tempted to ask her about it. But hair dye and makeup could drastically change anyone’s looks. Instead of interrupting their banter, I sent Kale a text, but he didn't reply. Meanwhile, Jace and Mia continued to flirt back and forth, and I tried not to let my lousy mood interrupt them.

“It would be great to visit my roots in Italy,” I heard Mia say. “I hate living in a small town.  It sucks and most of the women never escape it. If they aren’t pregnant, they’re waitressing with nowhere to go,” she murmured. Shocked once again, I looked in the rearview mirror. Mia’s face was hidden as she looked out of the window. I felt bad for her, she seemed to feel trapped too, but the only problem was that she wasn’t doing anything about it.

Author Bio:

Inger Iversen was born in 1982 to Anne and Kaii Iversen. She lives in Virginia Beach with her overweight lap cat, Max and her tree hugging boyfriend Joshua. She spends 90 percent of her time in Barnes and Noble and the other ten pretending not to want to be in Barnes and Noble.

Author links:

Facebook Twitter Website

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Few-Are-Angels-Volume-ebook/dp/B0086Z2KT0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1345696321&sr=8-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Few-Are-Angels-Volume-ebook/dp/B0086Z2KT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381622195&sr=8-1&keywords=few+are+angels

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/few-are-angels-inger-iversen/1111266976?ean=9780615650432

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/few-are-angels/p9mO0urzDkSPI-FCtVMliw

Review #175: Forever- Karen Kincel

Summary:  Jessica has the perfect life. Wonderful husband, two beautiful boys, a fairytale existence. In a moment, everything changes. To make matters worse, a stalker will stop at nothing to get to her. Can she stop him before it's too late?
Title: Forever
Author: Karen Kincel
Pages: 254
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't usually read adult books, but when I do I love the suspense/ thriller type and Forever was just that. This was a book that I could fly through with my heart beating out if my chest the whole time. I really enjoyed both the romance and the heartbreak surrounding this story. The only part I had a hard time with was the spirit. I just found that part unrealistic and that the story could have done without it. Otherwise I really loved this book.
I feel in love with these characters. The author gave just enough for you to fall in love with them and then she ripped them away. I was rooting for Jessica the whole time and I was glad when she could finally be happy. The stalker was so evil. He gave me the creeps right from the get to. I loved how we got his perspective as well as Jessica's. I would have liked more of his backstory.
Overall I loved this book! It was almost perfect in my eyes. I would recommend this novel to those looking for an edge of their seat read. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Karen R Kincel was born in Phoenix, AZ and moved to Missouri at an early age when her parents divorced. At age nine, she moved to Des Moines, IA. Currently, she resides in the Kansas City, MO area.

She is a technical writer by trade, and has lived all over the United States. Her two adult sons are the light of her life, having raised them primarily alone. She has a dog and two cats, and loves to travel and meet new people.

Making her debut with "Forever" was a lifelong dream, and she is currently working on her second book.

You can join her on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karenkincelauthor, follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Karen_Kincel, and find her on Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/360077. Email her at krkincel@yahoo.com. She welcomes all emails and will promptly respond to you.

Cover Reveal: Almost Matched- A.O. Peart

Title: Almost Matched (Almost Bad Boys #1)
Author: A. O. Peart​
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Expected Release Date: November 8th 2013
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours


TAG LINE:
Would you take another shot at love? Or just settle on a friend with benefits?

TEASER LINE:
Their heart-rending past will move you. Their passion will make you blush. Their antics will make you laugh out loud.

BLURB:
Twenty-five-year-old Natalie Davenport lugs substantial baggage. One boyfriend after the next has been a total disaster, leaving Natalie distrustful toward the male population in general. So when Colin Hampton crosses her path, she’s cautious. Her heart (and some other body parts!) nudges her to go for it, while her head wants her to run for the hills.

Colin is one of those gorgeous guys who attract women, no matter the age or marital status. With a successful career at a popular Seattle radio station, hard body, and charming personality, he is the complete package. But something dark lurks in the corners of his soul; some murky experience that has changed him—maybe for the better, but maybe for the worse.

Will he steal her heart and stomp over it like other guys did?

Will she let him into her heavily fortified world despite herself?

Or will they settle somewhere in the middle—establishing the emotional boundaries to protect them from falling in love?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18346098-almost-matched

********************************************************

Disclaimer

This contemporary romantic comedy blends humor, sensuality, and angst, with zany characters and witty dialogue. You will laugh out loud while blushing in embarrassment.
**Warning: contains sexual situations (some quite vivid!), profanity, and a high dose of sarcasm. Oh, and there is a lot of appletini and beer drinking.
May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Not intended for prudes and killjoys with no sense of humor**


Excerpt:
He shrugs a little and takes my hand in his. “I wanted to make this evening special.” Colin’s voice is low. Seductive?
Holy Mother of Sweet Jesus, I’m about to start hyperventilate. Heat stirs in my belly and lazily drenches down all the way to my underwear. These bright-blue eyes half-hooded under his lids tell me exactly what’s on his mind. My own mind eagerly nods her approval. I look at his lips and immediately imagine them on mine, on my neck, along my collarbone. Oh, no, that doesn’t help me keep control.
He’s so close to me, and then he stands up, pulling me to my feet. “Come.”
What’s going on? I obey, keeping my eyes on Colin. He smiles and blows out the candles. We walk to the living room, where upbeat salsa music comes out from the stereo.
“Do you dance salsa?” He stands in front of me, holding my both hands in his.
“Some.” I laugh and follow his lead.
Colin’s movements are fluid and sensual. He has an excellent sense of rhythm. I can’t stop beaming, while my eyes keep darting to his swaying to the beat hips. Wow, he can cook and he can dance.
He presses me to him and spins us around twice. I squeal and beseech my feet not to stumble. I’ve taken salsa lessons a few years ago, but I lack practice.
Colin turns us once again. He leads me to swirl on my own under his arm—once, twice, three times. I laugh and realize that it is not the wine that makes me happy and unconcerned. It is Colin.
The song ends, and he is enticingly close to me. He looks so endearing and sexy with his messy hair and twinkling with mischief eyes. Another song starts, but we are not dancing. Colin’s hand slides up to the back of my head, and then his lips are on mine. At first he kisses me softly, as if testing my reaction. But I’m not pulling away. I lean to him and return the kiss. His lips part, and I feel his tongue slide along my lower lip. It gently teases for a moment, and then my mouth is under his command, inviting and obeying. And I melt into him.
My body, lead by Queen V-Jay-Jay, decides to betray my anti-men tenacity. Treason in full display. I’m officially declared swooned over Colin. Crap, there goes my hope for staying unaffected. Ali’s fuck buddy advice goes out of the window in a jiffy. I knew it was going to be just like this.
“What am I going to do with you,” he sighs, resting his forehead against mine.
“What would you like to do?” I challenge. I know exactly what I’m willing him to do, and so does he.
He smiles against my lips.
I smile back, leaning away to look into those clear, blue eyes.
Colin takes my hand in his and pulls me toward the staircase. “Let me show you the upstairs then.”
“Is that your pick up line?” I feign suspicion.
“I think we are past the pick up line stage.” He snorts, and then grins at me.
I can’t help it but laugh. He makes me feel carefree. I want to believe it’s a good thing.
We climb the stairs to his bedroom. The whole place is meticulous. I’ve never seen a guy’s house that would look as neat as Colin’s. Hell on wheels. The score list is growing rapidly: he can cook, dance, kiss, and keeps his place tidy. And I have a feeling he’s amazing in bed. Well, time to find out.


Author Bio:
A.O. Peart writes in multiple YA and NA genres, including paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, contemporary, sci-fi, and short stories. Almost Matched, book one in the Almost Bad Boys series is her first New Adult contemporary novella. The action takes place in Seattle--the city which she came to call her home. She describes herself as European born, American by choice.

Author Links:
Website/blog: www.angelapeart.com
Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/o6syT
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469948.Angela_Orlowski_Peart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaOrlowskiPeart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Angela_Peart
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/#104353393440599372773/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/angelapeart/

Blog Tour: The Beast Within Novellas- Melissa Crowe

Title: The Beast Within
Series: The Beast Within novellas #1
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 5th June 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Add on Goodreads!

Synopsis:
Karina's world is turned upside down when she meets the sexy and mysterious Xavier. Something powerful and sensual is unlocked from inside her that she cannot explain and seems to have little control over.
With Xavier's help, Karina discovers she is a Tuatha De Danann, celtic faeries long thought to have been eradicated. Xavier's insistence on making her believe troubles Karina, what dangerous secret is he keeping from her? Can her ex partner Ian save her before it's too late?
This novella contains violence, and sexual situations which may not be recommended for readers under fifteen.

Buy your copy-
Amazon - Kindle or Paperback
Smashwords


Title: Haunted
Series: The Beast Within novellas #2
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 25th December 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Add on Goodreads!

Synopsis:
Karina has now discovered her abilities, but this only puts her in further danger. With a 600 year old lycanthrope thirsting for her blood, Ian must summon the help of his brother Ronan, the keeper of the Spear of Victory, a treasure sacred to the Tuatha De Danann. Can the two Guardians protect Karina, or will her secret ultimately bring destruction upon them all?

Buy your copy-
Amazon - Kindle or Paperback
Smashwords


Title: Journey
Series: The Beast Within novellas #3
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 20th September 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Add on Goodreads!

Synopsis:
Ian has been summoned by the Goddess Danu to the Otherworld, and Karina will not let him go without a fight.
With a Tutha De Danann that is unable to cross water, getting from Australia to Ireland will make for an interesting journey. Supernatural beings, sworn enemies and the full moon are only half of the risk as they try to cross three continents. Drug smuggling, guerrilla kidnapping and lycans on the prowl will hamper their travels.
Davarus, self-proclaimed King of the lycanthropes is building an army and on the move. Danger faces these forbidden lovers at every turn.
Would you travel to the ends of the earth for the one you love?

Buy your copy-
Amazon- Kindle or Paperback
Smashwords



About the author: Melissa Crowe
I am from Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. I have been a lover of Paranormal and strong powerful women all my life and now am lucky enough to put the two together and share it with the world. In 2009 I started writing and have not looked back.

Author links
Facebook
Goodreads

FREE book Blitz: Curse of the Beast- Ashley Lavering

I am so excited!

Curse of the Beast is Free on Amazon, October 18-20!

Don't miss your chance to grab this young adult paranormal romance

 and

retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a werewolf twist.

A dark shadow stalks the night, watching
her—waiting to claim what is his.

Seventeen-year-old Tayla Jonas longs for a
simple life, but an ancient curse forces a werewolf to hunt her, to claim what
is his. Will Tayla be strong enough to survive the Curse of the Beast? Or will
it consume her like so many before? Find out in the first installment of this
unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast. **2012 Whitney Award Nominee**

Curse of the Beast (bk 1) 

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Star Cursed (bk2) 

Amazon ~ Goodreads

After Star (bk3) Coming April 2014

Goodreads

About the Author

In addition to being a mother and
wife, I teach at a charter school and enjoy scuba diving. I love to be
adventurous and try new and exciting things. Some of the things I have done are
sky diving, glacier hiking, cave spelunking, and kayaking on the ocean. I want
to experience the world but will never be able to see it all so I write. It is
like the world is at my figure tips when I open a word document and delve into
another story.  Oh, the places you'll go
as Dr. Seuss says.

Books that are like mine: Beastly by
Flinn, Alex;  Scarlette by Davonna Juroe;
Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock, Dragon Rose by Christine Pope, Scarlet Moon (Once
upon a Time) by Debbie Viguié

Click your way into a great read and let the curse claim you!

Cover Reveal and GIVEAWAY: A Long Time Coming- Heather Van Fleet

Title: A Long Time Coming  (Perfect Timing Series #2)

Author: Heather Van Fleet

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Day: November 12th, 2013
Publisher: Sunshine Press

Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:

Abigail Orson has a problem. A love problem to be exact. And she has absolutely no idea how to go about fixing it.

For years now, she’s been chasing her best friend’s brother––demanding things from him that he’s never wanted to give. For one? A real relationship that stems well beyond that dreaded ‘just friend’s’ zone. You see, David Anderson is her perfection to a T. The one and only guy that’s ever had the ability to make her heart beat faster––make her toes curl with the simple blink of his long, girly lashes. But David is also a recovering amputee, and the only thing he really wants out of Abigail, is to be left alone. Abigail’s afighter though, and losing the one guy who has ruined her for every other man is no longer an option.

He’s a waste of space. A guy with one leg who has lost his motivation to live––to love––to be a man in general. If only the beautiful girl, of his unattainable dreams, would get that through her perfect, blonde, stubborn head! He’s not the right guy for Abigail––he’ll never be worthy of what she deserves. But staying away is almost impossible, especially when he’s just as in love with her as she is him. But Abigail has a life ahead of her––one that’s definitely livable without a nineteen year old gimp like him holding her down. What makes her want to stick around is beyond questionable anymore.

Choices will be made. Lines will be drawn. And the two of them will face challenges that nobody saw coming. David and Abigail may have had thirteen years to fall in love, but the thing is, timing and love have never exactly worked in their favor either...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18365239-a-long-time-coming

Excerpt:

He made it to his feet, swaying slightly to the side, just as she reached out a hand to steady him. Her brows drifted together, her lips were pursed to kill. All sass and spice––the girl was straight up sex in a sweater dress. “And what is that supposed to mean?” She stood with her hands at her hips. David narrowed his eyes as her neckline slipped lower. He traced the edge with his gaze, wishing it was his fingers instead.

“It just means that you’re trying to mess with my head.”

She scoffed, pressing her hand over the dip of that crack he wanted to keep ogling. Damn. That was twice now in a span of two seconds that he imagined touching that very spot. This time though, he wasn’t thinking about using his hands… He sucked in a gasp and released a quiet groan at the thought. Yeah, he was in a shit ton of trouble with this girl.

But really though, what was new?

Author Bio:

Heather Van Fleet currently reside in northern Illinois, with her three little ladies, and fabulous hubby, and high school sweetheart, Chris. She’s a stay at home mom by day, and an avid and completely obsessive writer and reader by night.

She’s always had a soft spot in her heart for books, and has been creating her own little stories since the age of seven. But she never really had the confidence or the time to actually sit down and really do something about it until her youngest daughter Isabella was born just two years ago. Bella, as well as her older sisters Kelsey and Emma, are and always will be her greatest inspirations.

Links: 

Website   Goodreads   Facebook

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Blog Tour and Review: Treacherous- L.L. Hunter

Summary: Charli Jayne has always been judged and given all kinds of labels growing up.

'Undatable' being one of them.

That is until she goes to college.

Charli plans to change… to be different… and will rebel against her parents.

With the help of her best friend, Mia, she sets that plan into motion.

When Mia introduces Charli to a mysterious stranger in a college chat room, Charli knows her life has changed.

However, this mysterious stranger may not be the person he says he is... Love is blind, and little does she know, Mr. Mysterious has already stolen her heart.

That is, until her life collides with Nathan

Nathan and Charli's lives are connected in so many ways, and when Charli discovers just how they are connected, she won’t know which one to trust: her best friend, the mysterious bad boy, or the man who was sent to protect her?

What will her heart decide?

Title: Treacherous

Author: L.L. Hunter

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

This was a quick and entertaining read. I liked the twists and turns that the author was throwing our way. I also enjoyed the mystery aspects included. There was also romantic parts that  held my interest. I just didn't find parts of the story realistic. I'm not saying that stuff wouldn't happen but I just found it very unlikely. Also some of the characters didn't jive with me.

Charli, Charli, Charli. I had a hard time liking her. I think that if someone is a virgin they wouldn't all of a sudden turn into a giant slut and have meaningless sex with any guy that would talk to them. Also she was very naive. She was like that girl in a horror movie who goes off by herself when there is a serial killer on the lose and dies. Like she was all like I have this really bad feeling about this guy, stuff isn't clicking but I'll just go off with him to a remote locations and hopefully he doesn't rape or kill me. I wanted to smack her head and ask what the hell she was thinking. Also her parents are the biggest a- holes ever!! Like way to set your child up for failure. Really the only characters I liked were Nathan, because he was the dreamy good guy, Rochelle and whatever Nathan's partners name was. 

Overall, this was a good read I just couldn't connect to the chapters or invest myself 100% into the story?I would recommend it to those who enjoy quicks no steamy reads with some mystery involved. 

Social Media Links

Facebook:

Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865

Series Page:https://www.facebook.com/Legendofthearchangel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooks

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/L.L.-Hunter/e/B00B2B701I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379386637&sr=8-1

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter

Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au

Book Blitz: Thunderstruck- Laura DeLuca

Title: Thunderstruck

Author: Laura DeLuca

Genre: Paranormal Romace

Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:
Taranis, the Celtic god of Thunder, has spent an eternity longing for the touch of a single mortal woman. He has followed her through incarnations, but always his powers were too much for her to bear.

Tara is a deaf woman, struggling to fit in the hearing world. She hides a gentle heart behind a tough exterior. Will she let down her defenses when a handsome mute tries to win her heart?

And even if she does, can Taranis’ love come without a death sentence?

Where to Buy - Only $.99 !!

Amazon         Smashwords           Barnes & Noble        Goodreads

Excerpt:

Taranis watched Tara climb onto her moped. She ran her fingers through her short black hair before pulling on her helmet. Mortals would never have been able to see so clearly, but even from across the street he could make out every detail of the art that was etched across her muscular yet feminine arms. They were drenched in color from the corner of her shoulder to the tips of her elbows. On one arm he saw a frog and a crow alongside the Puerto Rican flag, which was the heritage she had chosen in this new life. There was even a flamenco dancer adorned in a pink and green gown, forever frozen in her graceful dance. The other arm displayed a garden of colorful flowers— roses and lilies in blue, black and orange. Taranis imagined the fragrance of those flowers would be more intoxicating than any within the earth because they were drenched in her natural scent. He also noticed that mixed in among the tattoos that spoke of her Latino heritage; there was also a Celtic tribal band wrapped around her left ankle. Taranisknew it was a sign that a part of her was still drawn to the life she had lived before—the life he had been a brief but traumatic part of.

Taranis pushed the negative memories away. This was a new era. A new world. One where anything was possible. There were times when the magic of technology seemed to dwarf the powers of the gods themselves. First sign language and then computers with their artificial voices had made it much easier for Taranis to blend in among the mortals. Taranis especially loved the women of the twenty-first century. They were so bold and fearless, unafraid of demanding equality from their male counterparts. Tara was a prime example of that feminist drive. It seemed in each life time, she grew even stronger and more durable. He admired her strength and perseverance, but he also saw the sad and lonely woman she hid beneath the tough and snarky façade.

For two years he had watched her, yearned for her, but he was biding his time and building her trust. He had interacted with her in his human guise. Yet, he hadn’t given into the temptation to pursue anything more than a casual friendship, even though her smile insinuated she was open to more. He knew it was fear that restrained him. Each time he thought about romantic innuendos, he remembered Calista lying dead in his arms with blood dripping down her pale neck. Still, he hungered for Tara with a passion unlike anything he had ever known. He had waited centuries for her to return to him after his failure with Calista. He was sure that in this new world where their paths had finally crossed again, he would find a way to make her love him. He didn’t want to risk her life, but Taranis had a secret hope. He believed the very characteristic that she considered her greatest flaw would be the one thing that ensured their happiness in this life and all that followed.

Author Bio:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player, and Demon.

Author Links:

Website      Facebook      Twitter     Goodreads

Review #174: Riverbend: The Collection- Andrea Goodson

Summary: All three novels in The Riverbend Trilogy in one digital boxed set. Riverbend: The Collection includes Riverbend, Rapid Water, and Waking Tide.

Nestled deep in Northwest Pennsylvania, in the thick forest of the Allegheny Mountains, is a quiet community named Kennerdell. Rich in both Native American and European settlement history with few inhabitants and a charming culture, growing up there was simple for Lena Woodruff.

But when grief stepped in and darkened her life-everything changed. After years of escape, Lena is forced to return home.

A web of mystery and danger that dates back to America’s earliest days quickly weaves around her and when a longtime friend, one who knows the tragedy that plagues Lena's heart, comes back into her life - things get complicated.

Grief darkens her thoughts while insecurity and self-doubt cause the lines between reality and imagination to blur. Just when she thinks she can't take anymore, a small glimmer of hope arises.

A sudden and unexpected need for love begins a conflict between self-doubt and the promise of something better.

Where strength can be weakness and vulnerability-an asset, the greatest danger that threatens Lena in Kennerdell may just be herself.

Will she be able to unfold the truth around this mystery or will it be easier to run away?

Love, danger, and history collide in Riverbend: The Collection.

Title: Riverbend: The Collection

Author: Andrea Goodson
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The collection is all three of Andrea Goodson's Riverbend trilogy in one. I already have read Riverbend book one so I just read book two and three for this review. I found these books to be quick and easy to read and I did enjoy that the story carried right over from book one.after reading Riverbend, I had made some predictions and even with the author throwing twists and turns that almost lead me to think otherwise, my predictions were correct. I still really enjoyed all of the mystery surrounding everything. This series is definitely a fast paced thriller.
Lena made me mad as a character because she was so hot/ cold with Will and wasn't being true to her feelings. I was sad to see some characters leave because good or bad you become attached. I also really liked Lena's sister Gabby. She was almost a side story, trying to find out who she was and mature.i am happy for the most part with how this story played out.
This is a greats series to pick up if you are into mystery/ thrillers. I would say that if you aren't really feeling book one keep going because I liked two and three better haha. I would recommend this trilogy to people looking for a quick and fun (well as much as it can be) mystery.

Blog Tour Review and GIVEAWAY: Dreams of the cursed- Allie Jean

Summary for Dreams of the Cursed:
A violent war has waged in secret underneath the notice of humanity since the beginning of time. Evil has pledged the destruction of humanity in spite of a power those that covet it could not possibly contain. Now the Warriors have inherited this fight and are honor-bound to rid the world of this ancient malevolence. By guarding the most precious, piercing light they possess—their female kin known as the Oracles or Dreamers—the Warriors have a chance against the darkness.

Chantal Breelan, plagued by horrific nightmares for most of her life, believes something is wrong with her. Why else would she have such visions of destruction? But when creatures of terror came crawling out of the shadows to hunt her down shortly after her eighteenth birthday, she discovers the truth. Her dreams become reality, throwing her headfirst into a battle wrought by cursed monsters, where death and torture lie at every turn.

Mathias is a descendant of a Fallen Angel and a powerful Warrior. He vows his life in service to pay recompense for the sins of their fathers by guarding Chantal from within the shadows. Long has he fought, shedding sweat and blood, hoping that his struggles wouldn’t be in vain. With Chantal’s life in danger, he is forced to reveal himself, yet she manages to surprise him with her fierce tenacity and strength. In his sacrifice, he finds redemption and life’s ultimate reward—a love to surpass all time.

Now Chantal has picks up the reins of her birthright and stands by her Warrior kin, by Mathias.

She’s on a mission to rescue others like herself. Yet, in this challenge, a battle of wits is exposed. New players are discovered, throwing strategies into question. When the truth comes to light, can Chantal hold her band of brothers together, or will they crumble under the weight of betrayal?

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two in the Dreamer series by Allie Jean. I liked this one better than book one because it was more action packed and the reader is given many answers to the questions riddled in the first novel Legacy of a Dreamer. I really enjoy the world that Allie Jean has created, despite most of it being very dark and dangerous.alas, not all questions were answered and more also arose over the course of the book. Hopefully I can get my hands on the next instalment.
I feel like in this book all of the characters have matured, although some were forced into it. Again, we lost some characters I had grown attached to but we also gained so e, but most of them seem fairly shady to me. Also there are some mystery characters they we haven't met yet but are talked about and I can't wait to finally meet them.
I am really loving this series so far. It has such an original storyline and I like that the author isn't afraid to break the readers hearts. I will absolutely be continuing on with this series, I need to know all of the answers!! I would recommend this series to those looking for a unique and action packed read.

Author bio:  

Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. At a very early age, a child, her days were spent inventing stories, directing her sisters in made-up plays or telling elaborate ghost stories. Her mind never took breaks, or shutdown, even when she slept. When her eyes shut at night, she would have vivid dreams complete with extensive, elaborate plot lines, and good overcoming evil villains.

She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat-secret hobby. It became a means to escape from the drama of real life into one of the many worlds she created.

Now living in California with her husband of ten years, her love of storytelling had taken a backseat with the arrival of their four children. Though she always found time to write down her thoughts on whatever was handy, including a stray diaper or two while rocking a sleeping child in the middle of the night when her characters begged for attention as well.

As a busy wife, mother, and working full-time outside the home, somehow she has been able to write down her relentless character's story. Her once-secret hobby and private world is now released for others to enjoy. Nothing would make Allie happier that to continue writing and spend more time at home with her family on a more full-time basis.

Where you can buy the book:

Amazon, B&N.com, Kobo, iTunes, www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com

Release day:

October 3, 2013

Ways to connect with the author:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/authoralliejean?ref=br_tf

Twitter: @AllieJeanDS

Website: http://alliejean.net/

Rafflecopter code:
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Book Blitz: Haunted U- Jessica Gibson

Title: Haunted U

Author: Jessica Gibson​

Genre: YA Paranormal

Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:

Ezzie Lovegreen lives in a world where witches and ghosts are real. That doesn’t mean she’s not surprised when she’s suddenly being haunted by one at school.

With the help of her best friend Stella, her boyfriend Beau, and her grandmother Winifred, Ezzie must find out what happened to the ghost and set her free.

Secrets will be revealed that could change Ezzie’s life forever. Will Ezzie be strong enough to face the challenges set in her path?

Excerpt:

Ezzie pulled her Range Rover behind her dad’s vehicle. Beau parked right behind her in his truck. He was at her door in an instant and held a hand to help her out of the car.

Addelyn was waiting for them in the open doorway, a huge smile on her face, and looking perfectly put together in a lavender shirt-dress and black heels.

“Why, Beau, you are getting so handsome. It’s been ages since we’ve had you over for dinner. How’s your mama?”

Beau smiled and kissed the cheek she offered him. “Thank you, Mrs. Lovegreen. You are looking as lovely as ever. Mama is great. I’ll tell her you asked after her.”

Addelyn nodded and turned back into the house. “Let’s go eat. Dinner should be ready right about now.”

“I need to drop my stuff in my room. You can come, or go find my dad. I’m sure he’s in his study.”

Beau gave her a look. “I think I’ll go with you.”

Heat bloomed in Ezzie's cheeks again. The look he had just given her was anything but platonic. She smiled shyly and led him back to her room but stopped at the door. He had never been in her room before. No boy ever had. This was new territory for her. She shook herself mentally and stepped over the threshold into her room.

Beau stood in the doorway for a moment, looking around.

“You can come in,” Ezzie said softly.

He smiled and walked in, running his fingers across the surface of her desk.

“That was my grandfather’s.”

He nodded. “I remember seeing it in his study when we were kids.” Beau took a step toward her. He bridged the gap between them with his hands, drawing her the last few steps.

“Beau...” Her heart pounded in her chest.

He tipped her chin up and touched his lips to hers lightly. Ezzie lifted her hands up and around his neck, pulling him closer to her. She pressed her lips more firmly against his. She couldn't believe they were really having their first kiss in her bedroom with her parents just down the hall. Beau’s fingers wove into her hair. He finally pulled away a bit and laid his chin against her forehead, his arms still around her.

“Just so we’re clear, I want to be more than just your friend, Ezzie,” he whispered.

If Beau hadn’t been holding her up, she would have fallen to the floor. “I want to be more than your friend too, Beau,” she breathed.

Author Bio:

Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write.
Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tvshows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future.
Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.

Links:
Website: www.releasedaydiva.com
Blog: www.thisauthorslife.blogspot.com
Book Blog : www.bookonthebrightside.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Gibson/120212814747940
Twiter: @jessicajgibson
Website: www.authorjessicagibson.com

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-U-School-Spirits-ebook/dp/B00FT4IJKK
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunted-u-jessica-gibson/1117107269?ean=2940148664338